Advanced Imaging of the Left Atrium with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: A Review of Current and Emerging Methods and Clinical Applications

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe thin wall of the left atrium (LA) is difficult to visualize. The high spatial and temporal resolution of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) allows for the most accurate assessment of left atrial structure, function, and tissue characterization. This review will describe emerging methods used to image the LA with CMR, and will discuss associated clinical applications.Recent FindingsLA function can now be described in a dynamic fashion with feature-tracking algorithms. Novel methods have been created to augment visualization of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the LA, and left atrial fibrosis can be further quantified with T1 mapping algorithms. The advancement in how we image the LA with CMR has implications in atrial fibrillation (AF) and cardiomyopathic processes.SummaryA nuanced understanding of left atrial pathology is emerging with the rapid advancement of CMR technology, which has implications in the risk stratification and treatment of several cardiovascular disease states.
Source: Current Radiology Reports - Category: Radiology Source Type: research